Golf cart

ABSTRACT

A golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs having a support rod, at least one base for supporting the clubs, a restraining member for securing at least one of the golf clubs and a wheel for rolling transport of the assembly. The support rod including a single rod extending from a base to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending. The golf club base fixed to the rod for supporting the rod in a substantially upright position while at rest. The restraining member directly fixed to the rod and disposed a distance from the base. The distance between the restraining member and the base being sufficient to stabilize a golf club resting on the base. The wheel being rotationally secured to the base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a golf cart assembly for holding andtransporting golf clubs. More particularly, the invention pertains to alight-weight and/or portable cart for carrying golf clubs without a golfbag.

Conventional rolling hand carts used for transporting golf clubsgenerally work in combination with a removable golf bag. It is the golfbag that directly engages and holds the golf clubs, while the cartprovides a means for transporting the bag. However, the weight and bulkof the bag together with the cart can be cumbersome. Additionally, manycontemporary golf bags are designed to hold numerous clubs andaccessories, which can be difficult to transport, even when carried on arolling cart.

Alternatively, rolling hand carts for carrying golf clubs without theneed for a golf bag are known. However, while eliminating the need for agolf bag these carts are still rather bulky. Generally, such cartsinclude an open frame for restraining the clubs which extends from ahandle to a pair of wheels. The frames include large flat panels or setsof tubular struts that ensure durability and stability for the cartwhile adding to its overall weight and size. Also, these carts use longsleeves or complex sets of mechanisms for holding and supporting thegolf clubs, which further add to overall size of the assembly.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a golf cart assembly which overcomesthe shortcomings found in the prior art as set forth above while alsoproviding an easily portable assembly for holding and transporting golfclubs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a golf cart assembly forholding and transporting golf clubs. The assembly includes at least onebase, a restraining member, a single cart rod and at least one wheel.The base supports an end of each of golf club. The restraining membermechanically secures at least one of the golf clubs and is disposed adistance from the base. The distance being sufficient to stabilize agolf club resting on the base. The single cart rod extends from the baseto the restraining member. The rod further extends to a heightsufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending. Thebase is fixed to the rod for supporting the rod in a generally verticalposition while the assembly is in an upright position. The restrainingmember is directly fixed to the rod for maintaining the stabilizingdistance between the base and the restraining member. The wheel isrotationally secured to the base permitting rolling transport of theassembly in a non-resting disposition.

Additionally, the assembly can include a restraining member thatdirectly engages at least a portion of the at least one golf club whenthe golf club is secured by the restraining member. Also, therestraining member can include a generally planar member and at leastone bracket for restricting movement of the golf clubs, the planarmember secured to the rod and supporting the bracket. The base caninclude more that one compartment for separating the clubs. Also, thebase can be formed to provide fluid drainage therefrom and the drainagecan be provided by at least one aperture in the base. Further, theassembly can include a handle for manipulating the assembly, where thehandle is secured to the rod.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a collapsible golf cartassembly for holding and transporting golf clubs. The assembly includesat least one collapsible cart rod, a base and a restraining member. Thecart rod is adjustable between a collapsed configuration and an extendedconfiguration. The base supports the golf clubs and is fixed to the rodfor supporting the rod in a generally upright position when the assemblyis at rest. Also, when in at least the extended configuration the rodextends from the base to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cartuser generally without bending. The restraining member mechanicallysecures at least one of the golf clubs. The restraining member issecured to the rod such that when the rod is in the extendedconfiguration the restraining member is spaced away from the base.Adjustment of the rod toward the collapsed configuration moves therestraining member closer to the base.

Yet another aspect of the present invention involves a collapsible golfcart assembly including at least one collapsible cart rod adjustablebetween an extended and at least one collapsed configuration. When inthe extended configuration, the rod extends from a base to a heightsufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending. Whenin the collapsed configuration the rod extends no more than half thatheight. Also, at least one base is included for supporting an end ofeach of the golf clubs. The base is fixed to the rod for supporting therod in a generally vertical position while the assembly is not graspedby the user. Additionally a restraining member is provided formechanically securing at least one of the golf clubs. In the extendedconfiguration, the restraining member is disposed a first distance fromthe base. In the collapsed configuration the restraining member isdisposed a second distance from the base, wherein the first distance issubstantially greater than the second distance.

Additionally, adjustment of the rod can change a length of the rod.Also, the length can include a first length in the extendedconfiguration and a second length in the collapsed configuration. Thesecond length can be less than half the first length. Further, thecollapsible golf cart can include at least one wheel rotationallysecured to the base permitting rolling transport of the assembly. Thewheel can also be removeably secured to the base and/or sized to fitwithin the base. In the collapsed configuration, the rod can be sized tofit within the base. Also in the collapsed configuration, the rod can bepositioned at least partially within the base. Further, the rod can bepivotally secured to the base. Further still, the restraining member canbe removeably secured to the rod. Yet further still, at least one wheelcan be rotationally secured to the base permitting rolling transport ofthe assembly in a non-resting disposition.

It is desirable to provide a golf cart assembly that is light-weight,portable and does not need to be used in combination with a golf bag. Itis further desirable to provide a golf cart assembly that is intended toeasily carry less than a full set of golf clubs loaded. Preferably, theassembly provides simplified support structures and mechanisms forholding and transporting a plurality of golf clubs. It is furtherdesirable to provide a golf cart assembly which is collapsible, thusselectively reducing its overall size and adding to its portability.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of this inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a golf cart assembly in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top perspective view of the lower portions of thegolf cart assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another top perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 withgolf clubs loaded thereon.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a golf cart assembly in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the golf cart assembly of FIG. 4 with thesupport rod in a collapsed configuration and both the handle and clubshaft bracket removed.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the golf cart assembly of FIG. 4 with thesupport rod collapsed and pivoted into the support base and the handle,club shaft bracket and wheels removed.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the collapsed golf cart assembly of FIG. 6 withthe handle, club shaft bracket and wheels disposed within the supportbase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Often when playing or practicing golf payers find it desirable to carryless than a full set of clubs. For example, when playing pitch-and-puttplayers will only use a small fraction of the clubs they normally carry.Also, as conventional golf bags are able to hold so many clubs andaccessories, they can get weighty and difficult to carry. Thus, a playermay not always wish to carry or haul his or her fully loaded bag. Thus,it would be desirable to have an improved golf cart for easilytransporting golf clubs without a golf bag. Also, it would be desirableif such an improved golf cart were light-weight and easily stored whennot used.

With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a golf cart assembly 10including a base 100, support rod 200 and restraining member 300, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The base 100 isalso preferably provided with wheels 130 mounted thereon. The assembly10 is shown in an at rest position, with the rod 200 extending generallyvertically from the base 100. Rod 200 can be designed to rest slightlypitched from true vertical in order to help balance the assembly when itis loaded with golf clubs. The base 100 is preferably grounded by thewheels 130 in the back corners and two or more support posts 140 in thefront. However, the support provided by posts 140 could be integratedinto the structure of base 100 or eliminated entirely, as long as theassembly 10 can maintain a similar at rest position holding anassortment of golf clubs.

The support rod 200 is preferably a single rod extending from the base100 to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user without bending.The rod 200 is preferably composed of a light-weight and durablematerial, such as graphite, metal, plastic or composite of similarmaterials. Also, the rod 200 can be formed by a unitary element that iscontinuous across it length or a series of elements secured to oneanother to collectively extend from top to bottom as shown.

The support rod top 202 preferably includes a handle 250. Althoughoptional, the handle 250 preferably helps a user maintain a good grip onthe assembly 10. The handle 250 can be made of the same material as therod 200 or other known suitable materials. Also, the handle 250 can bemore or less rigid than the rod 200. Additionally, the handle 250 caninclude ergonomics features, such as a customized surface 252 and/or anend loop 255. The surface 252 can be flexible, textured and/or contouredto improve a user's grip thereon. Further, it should be understood thatthe handle 250 can alternatively have a more simple or complex shapethan that shown. The handle 250 is preferably secured to the rod top202, although it could also be integrally formed therewith. Variousknown means for securing a separable handle 250 can be employed, such asa mating threaded or frictional engagement or a quick-disconnect featurebetween the rod 200 and the handle 250. Regardless, the handle 250should preferably be both axially and rotationally securable relative tothe rod 200.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lower portion 208 of the support rod 200 ispreferably secured directly to the base 100. It is desirable that therod 200 and base 100 be secured in such a way as to prevent, limit orrestrict pivotal movement there between. Rod 200 is secured to base 100with a nut/bolt fastener 102, which extends through both rod 200 andbase frame 110. However, it should be understood that rod 200 and base100 could alternatively be secured by other known means. Also, althoughthe lower portion 202 of rod 200 is shown secured to the outside of base100, it could alternatively be mounted onto the inside of the base 100.Further, rod 200 could be supported to a bracket or flange, whichprotrudes into or from the base 100.

Added support elements, such as bracers 210 can be provided to furtherprevent, limit or restrict such pivotal movement. The bracers 210 arepreferably secured at one end to the rod 200 and at the other end to thebase 100. The bracers 210 can be made of a rigid material in the form ofa rod or bracket, providing support in both tension and compression.However, the bracers 210 can alternatively be made of a material, suchas a wire or string, providing only tensile support. While the bracersare shown as being secured to the outside of base 100, they couldalternatively be mounted to an inner portion of the base 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, Base 100 provides support for one end of the golfclubs 20 held by the assembly 10. The inner compartments 115 aregenerally open on top for receiving an end of a golf club 20.Preferably, the golf clubs 20 are loaded into the assembly 10 with thegolf club heads oriented on top as shown. This club configuration allowsa user to easily read the club head labels or markings, which identifyand distinguish each club. However, compartments 115 can be designed toaccommodate one or more club heads, so the clubs 20 could be loadedinverted from that shown.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is the retaining member 300 with golf clubs 20secured therein. The clubs 20 are supported by base 100 at one end andretaining member 300 at an intermediate portion or opposite end of eachclub. While retaining member 300 is secured to rod 200, it canalternatively be secured to the rod 200 higher or lower than that shown.Nonetheless, it is desirable that retaining member 300 be disposed asufficient distance from base 100 to provide stability to a club carriedby the assembly.

Referring again to FIG. 1, restraining member 300 includes a generallyplanar member 305, which is directly secured to rod 200. The planarmember 305 supports a set of generally U-shaped brackets 310 which eachhold a portion of a golf club shaft or handle inserted therein. Itshould be understood that a greater or lesser number of brackets 310 canbe provided. For example, the number of brackets 310 can coincide withthe number of compartments 115 in base 100. The brackets 310 aredesigned to receive the shaft of a golf club 20 through its twoprotruding tabs. Alternatively, if the clubs are loaded with the headson the bottom, the brackets 310 could receive either the shaft orportion of the handles. Preferably, the act of inserting theshaft/handle of a golf club 20 into a bracket 310, forces the tabs to atleast temporarily move away from one another until the club 20 is fullyseated within the bracket 310. In this way the bracket 310 is designedto trap or mechanically secure the club shaft/handle

It should be understood that although U-shaped brackets 310 are shown,other means of securing the club shaft/handles could be provided. Forexample, rather than brackets 310, planar member 305 could be providedwith a series of straps or bands which individually hold each club.Also, rather than a set of protruding brackets 310, planar member 305could be designed with similar U-shaped recesses that are adapted toreceive and hold a golf club shaft/handle. As a further alternative,brackets 310 could be replaced by fixed loops or sleeves sized to havethe handles and shaft inserted therein.

Referring again to FIG. 2, base 100 preferably includes a base frame 110which defines one or more inner compartments 115. While the frame 110 isshown to be an open box-like structure with rigid side walls, it couldbe designed with a less rigid structure. For example, the frame 110could be made of a flexible web, such as fabric or mesh, which isreinforced by wire or similar elements maintaining the generallybox-like shape. Also, the side walls of the frame 110 need not be solidas shown. In fact, the frame 110 could alternatively be formed by a wirebox frame with open sides. As yet a further alternative, frame 110 couldhave a shape other than a box or rectangle, as long as it is capable ofsupporting and maintaining golf clubs thereon.

FIG. 2 also shows support posts 140 attached to an extension member 104.While support posts 140 could be secured directly to frame 110,extension member 104 allows the posts 140 to be position further awayfrom the frame 110, thus providing more stability to the assembly.Alternatively, extension member 104 could be adjustable to slide outfrom under frame 110, like a drawer, providing a customizable feature tothe assembly.

Also, frame 110 is shown to be divided by separators 112 which definefive compartments 115 within frame 110. The side walls of the frame 110and the compartments 115 help keep the golf clubs on the base 100. Asdiscussed with respect to the frame 110 above, the separators 112 couldbe made of either a rigid or flexible material. Also, each separator 112could be formed only by a wire or a bar spanning between the front andback walls of the frame 110.

The base 100 is also preferably formed to provide fluid drainagetherefrom. In this way any liquid that enters compartments 115 will notremain therein. Such drainage is preferably provided by apertures 122that penetrate base floor member 120. Alternatively, floor member 120could be formed of a mesh of breathable fabric that allows liquids topass therethrough.

FIGS. 4-7 show an alternative collapsible golf cart assembly 11including a base 101, support rod 201 and restraining member 301, invarious stages from fully extended to fully collapsed. The assembly 11is also preferably provided with wheels 131, adjustable support posts141, straps 211 and a handle 251 similar to the previous embodiment.Support rod 201 is preferably a telescoping tubular member. The rod 201is preferably formed by a series of axially aligned concentric tubularrods 203, 205, 207, such that the smaller rods can nest inside thelarger ones when collapsed into one another. The rod 201 is preferablyadjustable between a fully extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 4,and a fully collapsed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, and variouspositions there between. It should be understood, however, that each ofthe adjustable elements described herein could individually be designedinto the earlier embodiment, to provide an adjustable assembly inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 further shows that handle 251 and restraining member 301 areremovable elements, which can be removeably secured to rod 201 byvarious known means. Alternatively, these elements 251, 301 could befixedly secured to rod 201 and would move along with upper rod 207 whencollapsed.

FIG. 6 also shows handle 251 and restraining member 301 removed from theassembly, as well as wheels 131. Restraining member 301 is shown turned90° to illustrate planar member 306 and brackets 311. Also, supportposts 141 are shown in a more retracted position. Preferably, supportposts 141 can fully retract flush with the outer surface of base 101.Additionally, with the wheels 131 removed, the mounting bracket 150 isvisible. In this alternate embodiment, the mounting bracket 150 securesthe rod base 221 of rod 201 to the assembly base 101. Further, mountingbracket 150 preferably includes pivotally folding hinge 152 that allowscollapsed rod 201 to be folded into base 101 as shown. A latchingelement (not shown) should be provided that retains mounting bracket 150in one or more of the positions shown, particularly the fullydeployed/extended configuration.

Alternatively, rod 201 could be fixedly secured to the rear portion offrame 111 and a forward portion of the frame 111 could pivotally foldtoward the rod and the rear portion to achieve a similar result as tothat described above. Preferably, frame 111 can be at least selectivelyconfigured to provide sufficient support to maintain support rod 201 andclubs 20 upright when needed.

Mounting bracket 150 is shown to include wheel support bracket 155.Preferably, bracket 155 is formed with a quick-release/assembly featurefor removing and remounting wheels 131. Alternatively, such a bracket orfeature can be formed directly into the side walls of base 101.

FIG. 7 further shows the entire assembly 11, with various elementscollapsed into and/or placed inside base 101. In this way the entireassembly 11 is a fully collapsed configuration is very portable, doesnot take-up a lot of space and can appear like a small case. Inparticular, the wheels 131 and handle 251 can be disconnected from rod201 and stored inside base 101. Also, FIG. 7 shows how rod 201 foldsinto base 101. Preferably, an aperture 105 is provided in the back wallof base frame 111. When folded into a closed position, bracket 150limits the rod's 201 pivotal movement but allows rod base 221 to pivotthrough the aperture 105 so that collapsed rod 201 can fit inside base101. Alternatively, bracket 150 and/or hinge 152 could be designed andconfigured to leave little or no gap between the wheel support portionof bracket 150 and the base frame 111. Additionally, restraining member301 is shown disposed within base 101. Whether fixedly or removeablysecured to rod 201, restraining member 301 could preferably be placed inthe position shown.

While various embodiments of the present invention are specificallyillustrated and/or described herein, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that variousother changes and modifications may be affected herein by one skilled inthe art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, andthat it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications thatfall within the scope of the invention.

1. A golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs, saidassembly comprising: at least one base for supporting an end of each ofsaid golf clubs; a restraining member for mechanically securing at leastone of said golf clubs, said restraining member disposed a distance fromsaid base, said distance being sufficient to stabilize said at least onegolf club resting on said base; a single cart rod extending from saidbase to said restraining member, said rod further extending to a heightsufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending, saidbase fixed to said rod for supporting said rod in a generally verticalposition while said assembly is in an upright position, said restrainingmember directly fixed to said rod for maintaining said stabilizingdistance between said base and said restraining member; and at least onewheel rotationally secured to said base permitting rolling transport ofsaid assembly in a non-resting disposition.
 2. The assembly of claim 1,wherein said restraining member directly engages at least a portion ofsaid at least one golf club when said golf club is secured by saidrestraining member.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said restrainingmember includes a generally planar member and at least one bracket forrestricting movement of said golf clubs, said planar member secured tosaid rod and supporting said bracket.
 4. The assembly of claim 1,wherein said base includes more than one compartment for separating saidclubs.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said base is formed toprovide fluid drainage therefrom.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, whereinsaid drainage is provided by at least one aperture in said base.
 7. Theassembly of claim 1, further comprising a handle for manipulating saidassembly, said handle secured to said rod.
 8. A collapsible golf cartassembly for holding and transporting golf clubs, said assemblycomprising: at least one collapsible cart rod adjustable between acollapsed configuration and an extended configuration, at least one basefor supporting said golf clubs, said base fixed to said rod forsupporting said rod in a generally upright position when said assemblyis at rest, whereby when in at least said extended configuration saidrod extends from said base to a height sufficient to be grasped by acart user generally without bending; and a restraining member formechanically securing at least one of said golf clubs, said restrainingmember secured to said rod whereby when said rod is in said extendedconfiguration said restraining member is spaced away from said base andadjustment of said rod toward said collapsed configuration moves saidrestraining member closer to said base.
 9. A collapsible golf cartaccording to claim 8, wherein said adjustment of said rod changes alength of said rod.
 10. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 9,wherein said length includes a first length in said extendedconfiguration and a second length in said collapsed configuration,whereby said second length is less than half said first length.
 11. Acollapsible golf cart according to claim 8, further comprising at leastone wheel rotationally secured to said base permitting rolling transportof said assembly.
 12. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 11,wherein said wheel is removeably secured to said base and sized to fitwithin said base.
 13. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8,wherein in said collapsed configuration, said rod is sized to fit withinsaid base.
 14. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8, wherein insaid collapsed configuration, said rod is disposed at least partiallywithin said base.
 15. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8,wherein said rod is pivotally secured to said base.
 16. A collapsiblegolf cart according to claim 8, wherein said restraining member isremoveably secured to said rod.
 17. A collapsible golf cart assembly forholding and transporting golf clubs, said assembly comprising: at leastone collapsible cart rod adjustable between an extended and at least onecollapsed configuration, whereby when in said extended configurationsaid rod extends from a base to a height sufficient to be grasped by acart user generally without bending, and whereby when in said collapsedconfiguration said rod extends no more than half said height, at leastone base for supporting an end of each of said golf clubs, said basefixed to said rod for supporting said rod in a generally verticalposition while said assembly is not grasped by said user; and arestraining member for mechanically securing at least one of said golfclubs, whereby in said extended configuration said restraining memberbeing disposed a first distance from said base and in said collapsedconfiguration said restraining member being disposed a second distancefrom said base, wherein said first distance is substantially greaterthan said second distance.
 18. A collapsible golf cart according toclaim 17, further comprising: at least one wheel rotationally secured tosaid base permitting rolling transport of said assembly in a non-restingdisposition.
 19. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 17, whereinsaid restraining member including at least one generally planar memberand at least one bracket for restricting movement of said golf clubs,said planar member secured to said rod and supporting said bracket. 20.A collapsible golf cart according to claim 17, wherein said restrainingmember is removeably secured to said rod.